Mike Gale

Michael Eugene Gale (July 18, 1950 – July 31, 2020) was an American basketball player. A 6'4" guard, he graduated from Philadelphia's Overbrook High School and played college basketball at Elizabeth City State University. In 1971 he was drafted in the third round of the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls and selected by the Kentucky Colonels in the American Basketball Association draft; Gale opted to sign with the Colonels.

He played in both the ABA and the NBA over the course of his career, appearing for the Kentucky Colonels (1971–1974), the New York Nets (1974–1975), the San Antonio Spurs (1975–1980), the Portland Trail Blazers (1980–1981), and the Golden State Warriors (1981–1982). While with the Nets, he won the 1974 ABA Championship. Gale was twice named to the ABA's All-Defensive First Team, and he finished his career with 6,203 points and 3,146 assists.

Known for his backcourt defense, Gale was nicknamed "Sugar" because his shot was so sweet and "Sticky Fingers" for his ability to steal the ball. He later settled in San Antonio, Texas. Gale died on July 31, 2020, at the age of 70.